Truth

appeared to enjoy hers. To allow Ms. Sharron the gift of their voices, they discussed unlimited subjects. At first it was superficial, he didn’t seem open to anything else, and Marie was too hurt by her own family to open up with another one. Then with time, they’d comment on books or movies or news. Marie didn’t know the protocol for a job such as hers, and without a doubt, she worked too well with Ms. Sharron for Nathaniel to call her out on her shortcomings.
    The end result was a twenty-three-year-old woman who’d argue her points and opinions with a sixty plus year old CEO. She didn’t realize this was wrong. After all, he brought up the conversations, why wouldn’t she answer honestly.
    She spent so much time sequestered with Ms. Sharron she didn’t know she was the only one who spoke to Mr. Nathaniel Rawls with such candor. The realization suddenly became apparent at a family dinner. Anton was home from Columbia University, and the mission was to appear as a family united. Conversely, Marie felt tension bubbling from every pore and rippling through the air, resulting in an undercurrent which swallowed everyone’s words and happiness.
    Marie knew there were issues at Rawls Corporation. Sometime during their long conversations Nathanial spoke about decisions and risk taking. Marie increasingly admired Mr. Nathaniel’s business sense.
    That dinner was a wake-up call. She hadn’t noticed the undercurrent in the beginning of her employment; there was too much to take in. But, this perfect family suffered from serious dysfunction.
    Marie understood Alzheimer’s as a sad, degenerative disease. She also wondered if on some level Ms. Sharron wasn’t better off in her own world. The toxic quality of the one around her could cause anyone the desire to escape.
    She also understood why Ms. Sharron saw the world as it had been, not as it was. The man who sat by her side, conversed with Marie, and religiously kissed his wife each morning and evening wasn’t the same man who presided over the family meal. What Marie didn’t understand, was why he wouldn’t share his caring side with the rest of his family.
    As Ms. Sharron weakened, she no longer made it to the family dining room. Instead her meals were eaten in her suite. At first they were served on a small dining table within the large suite. With time, her eating became less regular. Many times, physical feeding was required. For some reason, she’d only accept this action from Marie or Nathaniel.
    The other members of the family faithfully visited every day. Well, Samuel and Amanda did; Anton would when he was home. Marie didn’t blame the young man for staying away. Actually, she understood the need to distance oneself from certain people. And, while Sharron’s son and daughter-in-law were kind to her, they both treated Marie with a kind of superior disregard. Perhaps it was because of Ms. Sharron’s affinity for her. Marie wasn’t sure what she’d done to warrant their acrimony.
    Attached to Mrs. Rawls large suite was a smaller one, where Marie resided. The job also included generous pay. However, with no definition of hours, she rarely had time to spend her new found wealth. Besides, she had all her needs met: a place to live and food to eat. With time, Nathaniel offered to purchase clothing. Marie declined. She had plenty of money in her account and didn’t want to take advantage.
    One evening, following her refusal of his generosity, she entered her closet to a complete new wardrobe. That incident taught Marie the tenacity of Mr. Rawls’ resolve. If he wanted to do a kindness, he wouldn’t be stopped. Later she would learn the opposite was also true. If he had a score to even... there would be no holds barred.
     
     

 
     
     
    Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them,
that's what makes you strong.
― Sarah Dessen
     
    Chapter 15
     
    The water wasn’t colder or clearer in first class, nonetheless, it was refreshing. Claire thought about Phillip Roach sitting somewhere behind her, in economy. She’d seen him at the airport. The uneasy way he turned away, as she inclined her head in his direction, made her smile. Having Courtney and Brent’s support filled Claire with more resolve than she could imagine. The feeling of invincibility wouldn’t last forever, but she’d savor it for the time-being.
    With her new found strength, Claire forced herself to concentrate on the stack of boxes in her closet. She should have